Real monsters

I used to believe that monsters lived under my bed. They loved scaring me in the dark.

“That’s where they stay,” Society told me. “Where they belong.”

But Society also ordered me to keep my stomach flat so people would like me. Short hair was for men. Lesbian. I couldn’t drive. I couldn’t lift anything heavy. I must cook well. They never told me girls were used as weapons – as a plan – for men’s gain.